QUOTABLE: “The environment at Jordan-Hare Stadium is always special, what with the golden eagle flying around the stadium and landing at midfield. And that environment is particularly charged for a prime-time setting.” — ESPN writer Matt Fortuna in 2016

Oxford, Miss.

POPULATION: 20,865

OLE MISS REBELS

ENROLLMENT: 23,838

STADIUM: Vaught-Hemingway Stadium (capacity 64,038), built in 1915

ON CAMPUS: A statue of James Meredith, the first black student to attend the school. The integration of Ole Miss in 1962 was an important moment in the civil rights movement.

AROUND TOWN: Rowan Oak, where author William Faulkner lived and wrote. The estate is filled with memorabilia from Faulkner’s prolific life.

FOODIE? City Grocery is one of the best restaurants in any city of a comparable size to Oxford. It’s probably the go-to choice if you’re visiting for a weekend.

BEST TAILGATE SPOT: The Grove isn’t just the best tailgate spot in Oxford; it’s very likely the greatest place to tailgate on the entire planet for a college football game.

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QUOTABLE: “ ‘Tailgating’ certainly does not do it justice. It might be a gathering of football fans before a game, but it hardly resembles those celebrated scenes in Green Bay and Kansas City, which are modest by comparison.” — A 2014 New York Times article on tailgating in Oxford

Starkville, Miss.

POPULATION: 24,775

MISSISSIPPI STATE BULLDOGS

ENROLLMENT: 20,873

STADIUM: Davis Wade Stadium (capacity 61,337), built in 1914

ON CAMPUS: The Drill Field. It serves as the heart of campus and is a great place to see the school in action.

AROUND TOWN: The Sam D. Hamilton Noxubee National Wildlife Refuge, which is full of beautiful nature sights. It’s also a favorite fishing spot among students.

FOODIE? Stromboli’s, a pizza joint, can hold its own against anywhere selling pies in SEC country. It’s a popular choice any day of the week.

BEST TAILGATE SPOT: The Junction is broadly thought of as the best place to go. Can’t make it? Don’t fret. The university has a game day webcam of the area.

GAME TRADITIONS: Constant ringing of cowbells. Legend says the tradition started when a wayward cow trekked onto Mississippi State’s field during a convincing win over Ole Miss in the early part of the 20th century.

MAKE SURE YOU WEAR: Maroon and bring your cowbells.

EVERY TRUE FAN KNOWS: Mississippi State keeps a live English bulldog named Bully on its sideline on game day, perhaps to intimidate opponents.

BUCKET LIST GAME TO SEE: Mississippi State vs. Ole Miss (Egg Bowl)

QUOTABLE: “Want to know what a revolution sounds like? Between the third and fourth quarter, Journey’s 'Don’t Stop Believin’' blares through the stadium speakers. The throng rings cowbells to the beat, creating a deafening roar as they try to hold on to the feeling.” — Sports Illustrated in 2014

Baton Rouge, La.

ON CAMPUS: The habitat of LSU mascot Mike the Tiger. Most SEC fans can only see their live mascots on the sidelines on game day. But at LSU, you can pop in and visit Mike whenever.

AROUND TOWN: The Old State Capitol building, which will be appreciated by those who love European architecture. The history of Louisiana is on full display here.

FOODIE? A Po’ boy is a must while you’re in town, and a good place to grab one is The Chimes, which is named for the sounds emanating from LSU’s Memorial Tower.

BEST TAILGATE SPOT: One solid location is the Parade Ground near the campus’ student union.

GAME TRADITIONS: The LSU Tiger Marching Band’s pregame show is as good as any in the country. Be in your seat early.

MAKE SURE YOU WEAR: Purple and gold and bring your pom poms of the same color for night games in Death Valley.

EVERY TRUE FAN KNOWS: It’s called Death Valley because lots of teams don’t make it out alive.

BUCKET LIST GAME TO SEE: LSU vs. Alabama

QUOTABLE: “I wanted to always go to a school that had a fan base that supported the team through thick and thin and that’s definitely LSU. There’s no place like Tiger Stadium. I swear it shakes.” — former LSU star Patrick Peterson

College Station, Texas

POPULATION: 100,050

TEXAS A&M AGGIES

ENROLLMENT: 57,934

STADIUM: Kyle Field (capacity 102,733), built in 1927

ON CAMPUS: The George Bush Presidential Library and Museum on the west side of campus. No matter your politics, it’s an interesting tribute to our 41st president.

AROUND TOWN: The Bonfire Memorial, which serves as a reminder of the 12 people who lost their lives when a bonfire collapsed in 1999 as part of a campus ritual.

BEST TAILGATE SPOT: Anywhere around Reed Arena, home to Texas A&M basketball, is a good choice and a guarantee of a good time.

GAME TRADITIONS: The night before every Aggies home game, a Midnight Yell pep rally is held at the school’s stadium. Five students who serve as the yell leaders lead the cheers.

MAKE SURE YOU WEAR: Maroon and bring the 12th man

EVERY TRUE FAN KNOWS: To sway during the appropriate time of the "Aggie War Hymn."

BUCKET LIST GAMES TO SEE: Texas A&M vs. Arkansas

QUOTABLE: “You talk about loud. You talk about affecting the game. I mean, their fans really did affect the game, and it says a lot about our players to keep their poise and focus.” — Alabama coach Nick Saban on his radio show in 2015, according to SECCountry.com